September 21, 2016

A Visit to 3 of My Favourite Canadian Cities

Canada is such a beautiful country. I don't think you really get the full appreciation for how big and how beautiful it is until you see it with your own two eyes.

I've had the privilege of travelling a large portion of the country, crossing Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec off of my list. This past year alone, I've been lucky enough to set foot in three provinces - Alberta, Manitoba and the one we call home, Ontario. Every single time I visit a new city or province, I am blown away by its beauty, the people and the things to see and do.

I think it's pretty obvious that I'm a big fan of zoos and aquariums - they are a great place to visit with family, an amazing learning opportunity, and give you the chance to explore the wide range of animals that call this planet home. Whenever we venture to a new city, scoping out their zoo or aquarium is high on my list.

Of course, that's the first thing I did when I visited Winnipeg, Manitoba and Edmonton, Alberta, and enjoyed a Canadian staycation in Toronto, Ontario, this past year.

If you find yourself in one of these cities, I definitely recommend adding these top attractions to you "to do" lists.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipegis home to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. While there are over 80 acres of Zoo to explore, the highlight for me was the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit. Two words, polar bears. And all of my other favourite Arctic animals. As a leader in the Zoo community, and with its proximity to polar bear territory, the Assiniboine Park Zoo plays a large role in polar bear research, conservation and education in Canada. The comprehensive exhibit allows visitors to discover the magic of the North, while making a connection with these iconic Arctic species.

Insider tip: If you visit, make sure you spend a good chunk of time in the Gateway to the Arctic building. The impressive Sea Ice Passage gives visitors the rare opportunity to view polar bears and seals swim from below the surface of the water.

Other recommended attractions to visit in Winnipeg: Assiniboine Park,Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Forks

Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is home to the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Nestled on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, this small zoo is home to approximately 350 animals from all different climates and habitats. While no polar bears call this place home, you will have the opportunity to see wolves and lemurs, tigers, owls and more! The lemurs and wolves were definitely my favourite. The Zoo is currently undergoing a renewal which will recreate natural habitats for the animals that live here, enhancing their quality of life and allowing guests to better appreciate the natural world.

Insider tip: If you visit, plan to check out their daily animal talks, a great chance to learn more about some of your favourite animals.

Other recommended attractions to visit in Edmonton: West Edmonton Mall, Telus World of Science, Muttart Conservancy

And while I love exploring new cities, sometimes a staycation is in order as well…

Toronto, Ontario

While Toronto is home to the Toronto Zoo, this mermaid at heart is pretty partial to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. Located in the heart of downtown, directly underneath the CN Tower, the Aquarium is home to over 16,000 marine animals, including 450 species of fish and invertebrates and two green sea turtles. Not only do they have 57 live exhibits and 5.7 million litres of water to ogle over, they also have some pretty incredible experiences, from touch tanks to dive shows and more.

Insider tip: If you're into an adventure, check out one of their many paid guest experiences, such as diving with the sharks or swimming with the stingrays. I highly recommend both.

Planning a visit to one of my favourite Canadian cities?

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Get out there and explore!

Of all the Canadian Radisson locations, which city is your favourite to visit, or on your must see list, and why?

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